When I am recruiting I am often asked, "Why should I go to Michigan State? What is special about swimming and diving at MSU?" Those moments I wish I could just show a tape of our alumni meet. It really is the day which exemplifies what makes our program special. There are many traditions that highlight the quality people who were, are and always will be Spartan swimmers and divers.

The 51st-annual meet, despite having a crowd much smaller than last year, was another success. For the first time I can remember the meet was covered by the State News (link: http://www.statenews.com/article.phtml?pk=37892). The youngsters were out in full force as we had many graduates from the past six years who came and swam in the meet. As usual Jack and Dave Seibold were both there (with Jack serving as honorary meet referee). Also, we had Mrs. Ellie Heusner there to award the Heusner Service Award.

Of course, the alumni won every event, including a judge's decision on the men's 50 freestyle. Bob Lundquist was the 2006 winner of the plunge.

We had two very generous donors associated with the meet. First, Dan Batchelor, who donated the t-shirts that we handed out to each participant. Second, Rob and Gail Harley and the entire Harley family, who donated all the food and work for the post-meet tailgate.

I also want to thank many of the parents of the current varsity team members who came and donated food and helped everything along with the meet and tailgate.

I want to thank Jack Beattie and his wife Ernestine for coming up from Florida to attend the meet. They both came to the football game with me and despite being away from campus for more than 46 years, Jack is still a Spartan through and through.

We are almost two weeks away from our first meet. The women host Akron and Illinois on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21. Our schedule is up on our web page and we are slowly getting ready for it. Our team has done a great job of preparing in the water as well as out of the water in study halls and classes. We hope to see as many of you as possible at our home and away meets.

Finally, never forget how great it is to be a Spartan. Never stop supporting your program. Never stop trying to help those who represent MSU.